Steaming Chicken: Epicure Steamer Cooking Time For Chicken Breasts

Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own. Steaming is a healthy and flavourful way to cook chicken, and it can be done in an Epicure Multipurpose Steamer. The duration of steaming chicken breast varies depending on the size of the meat and the recipe, but it typically ranges from 5 to 30 minutes. In this article, we will explore different methods and recipes for steaming chicken breast, including the time required for each technique, to help you create juicy and tender chicken dishes.

How to set up the Epicure steamer

To set up the Epicure steamer, follow these steps:

Firstly, it's important to note that Epicure offers three types of steamers: the Multipurpose Steamer, the Rectangle Steamer, and the Omelet Maker. The setup instructions may vary slightly between models, but here's a general guide on how to set up the Multipurpose Steamer, which is the most versatile option.

Before using your Epicure steamer for the first time, ensure you have thoroughly washed all the components with warm, soapy water and dried them.

Now, let's get started with the setup:

• Identify the steamer base, which is the bottom part of the steamer with a flat surface. This is where you'll place your food for cooking.
• Fill the steamer base with water. The amount of water you need will depend on the food you're cooking and the specific model of your Epicure steamer. Generally, you'll want enough water to cover the bottom of the steamer or reach the indicated fill line.
• Place the food you wish to cook into the steamer base. This could be anything from chicken, vegetables, fish, or even bread! Ensure that the food is prepared according to your recipe, such as seasoned, marinated, or coated.
• Cover the steamer base with the lid or tray. The lid helps trap the steam inside, ensuring even cooking.
• Place the steamer into the microwave. Refer to your user manual to determine the appropriate power level and cooking time based on the food you're preparing. As a general guideline, chicken breasts typically take around 6-8 minutes to cook in the Epicure steamer.
• Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the steamer from the microwave using oven mitts, as the steamer will be hot. Allow it to cool down for 1-2 minutes before removing the lid, as steam can cause burns.
• Check the doneness of your food. If it requires additional cooking, return the steamer to the microwave in short intervals until your food is cooked to your desired level.
• Finally, serve your steamed creation!

Remember always to refer to the user manual and instructions provided with your specific Epicure steamer model, as they may have slightly different setup and usage guidelines.

How long to steam chicken for

Steaming chicken is a great way to cook the meat without drying it out. It is also a very versatile cooking method, and the chicken can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or just enjoyed on its own.

The length of time you should steam chicken for depends on a few factors, such as the size of the chicken and whether you have cut into it to help the heat reach the centre of the meat. As a general rule, steaming chicken breast takes around 5-10 minutes, or until the juices run clear.

If you are using an Epicure Multipurpose Steamer, you can steam chicken breast in the microwave for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through.

For a keto-friendly option, you can steam chicken fillets in a deep steaming tray for 15 minutes.

If you are steaming chicken on a stovetop, you should first bring your steaming liquid to a simmer on medium heat. Cover with a lid, turn the heat to low, and let it cook for 5-6 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and let the pot sit with the lid on for another 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breast and whether you have cut into it.

What to season the chicken with

While steaming chicken is a great way to retain flavour, tenderness, and moisture, seasoning the chicken beforehand can add even more flavour to your dish.

One way to season chicken breast before steaming is to use salt, oil, and pepper. Coat the chicken with these seasonings and then add the chicken fillets to the deep steaming tray. You can also add olive oil to the chicken to enhance the flavour and prevent the outside from getting tough.

If you have time, you can season the chicken with salt a day in advance. This will allow the flavour to soak in and make the meat more tender. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, garlic, thyme, ginger, or bay leaf.

Another option is to marinate the chicken before steaming. You can add ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, or gingerroot to the steaming water to infuse the chicken with flavour. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in a bowl with salt and vegetable oil, rubbing the salt into the chicken, and then refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

For an Asian-inspired flavour, you can steam the chicken with light soy sauce and sesame oil. You can also add garlic to the steamer for additional flavour. After steaming, spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with cilantro.

If you're looking for a breaded option, you can dip the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, rosemary garlic seasoning, and salt and pepper before steaming. This will give the chicken a crispy coating while keeping it moist and juicy on the inside.

What to serve the chicken with

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your steamed chicken breast:

Salads

Chicken pairs well with a variety of salads, especially if the chicken is served cold on top of the salad. Some salad ideas include:

• A simple garden salad with crisp leafy greens, fresh garden veggies, and crunchy croutons.
• Quinoa spinach salad with colourful tomatoes, cucumbers, and raisins.
• Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, romaine lettuce, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
• Farro salad with roasted sweet potatoes, red onion, and goat cheese.

Vegetables

There are numerous vegetables that make a great side dish for chicken. Some options include:

• Roasted or steamed broccoli
• Roasted or air-fried asparagus
• Roasted or honey-glazed carrots
• Roasted or sautéed green beans
• Roasted or air-fried cauliflower
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Roasted parsnips
• Roasted corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes
• Roasted garlic Parmesan baby potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Mashed potatoes

Starches

Chicken also goes well with a variety of starches, such as:

• Rice, including egg fried rice
• Pasta, such as macaroni or fettuccine alfredo
• Bread, such as dinner rolls
• Noodles, like macaroni or egg noodles
• Polenta

Other Sides

Some other side dish ideas include:

• Avocado dip or herb sauce
• Steamed cabbage and mustard greens with bacon
• Cucumber salad with red onion and dill
• Maple-roasted delicata squash
• Cheesy broccoli gratin

How to store leftover chicken

To cook chicken breast in an Epicure steamer, you can follow this recipe for Steamer Chicken Parmesan. First, cover the bottom of a Multipurpose Steamer with marinara sauce. In a shallow bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, Parmesan, rosemary garlic seasoning, and salt and pepper, if desired. Dip each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, patting to coat thoroughly on both sides. Place the chicken pieces in the steamer and layer mozzarella cheese on top. Close the lid and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Now, for storing leftover chicken, here's a detailed guide:

Storing leftover chicken properly is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure it remains safe to consume. Here are the steps to follow:

Cooling:

It is advisable to let the chicken cool down before storing it. Leaving hot chicken uncovered in the fridge can increase the internal temperature, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Place the chicken on a clean plate or pan, uncovered, and let it cool down for about 30-45 minutes. You can also wrap it in paper towels during this time to absorb excess moisture.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents. Refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours of it sitting at room temperature. Leftover chicken should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or less and consumed within 3 to 4 days.

Freezing:

If you have a large amount of leftover chicken and don't anticipate consuming it within four days, freezing is a good option. Place the chicken in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Properly frozen chicken can be stored indefinitely but aim to consume it within four months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating:

When reheating cooked chicken, ensure that its internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. You can use a stovetop, oven, or microwave for reheating. If using a microwave, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and spread them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a lid or damp paper towel. If the chicken is frozen, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Signs of Spoilage:

It's important to recognize the signs of spoiled chicken. Cooked chicken should be firm and dry. If it develops a slimy texture or becomes soft, discard it immediately. Spoiled chicken may also exhibit an off-color (dark or faded) appearance or emit a foul odor. When in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

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